President signs Leahy bill targeting domestic violence

Measure expands protections to groups including illegal immigrants, members of LGBT community

Mar. 7, 2013

This photo taken by Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., shows the Violence Against Women Act, which he authored and helped pass through Congress, after President Barack Obama signed the measure on Thursday. House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, and Leahy also signed the bill. / Courtesy Sen. Patrick Leahy

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Free Press Washington Writer

WASHINGTON — Legislation targeting domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking was signed into law Thursday by President Barack Obama.

The law renews the Violence Against Women Act for five years. The reauthorization, authored by Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont, expands protections against domestic violence to victims who are American Indians, illegal immigrants or members of the LGBT community.

The law also is designed to reduce a backlog of untested rape kits and help law enforcement prosecute sexual assaults and investigate human trafficking crimes.

“This victory shows that when the American people make their voices heard, Washington listens,” Obama said during a signing ceremony at the Interior Department.

Leahy, who stood behind Obama during the bill signing, had insisted on making the bill a top priority this Congress, according to his staff.

“At a time when we face gridlock and stonewalling on even the most compelling issues, I am glad to see that we acted in a bipartisan manner to help victims of violence in Vermont and across the country,” Leahy said in a statement.

Leahy began pushing to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act last year. But some Republican lawmakers objected to his proposal to expand the bill’s protections to include tribal members, illegal immigrants and LGBT victims.

After defeating a Republican alternative proposal, the House voted 286-138 last week to pass Leahy’s version. Eighty-seven Republicans voted with 199 Democrats in favor.

Karen Tronsgard-Scott, head of the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, said the law will ensure members of the LGBT community throughout Vermont have access to services. It also will expand transitional housing for victims and significantly expand the Vermont Network’s ability to serve victims of sexual violence.

Tronsgard-Scott, who attended the bill-signing ceremony, credited Leahy and his staff with listening to advocates from across the country and learning about the issues facing victims of domestic abuse. The legislation had the backing of 1,300 organizations representing domestic and sexual violence groups, service providers and law enforcement.

“This is such a meaningful day for all of us, especially in Vermont,” she said.